In brief

'Meet & Greet' organized for Dr. Elizondo at Chamisal

Friends and supporters of Dr. Fernando Elizondo, who is running for a seat on the board of directors of the Salinas Union High School District, have organized a "meet and greet" session at the Chamisal Tennis and Fitness Club, 185 Robley Road, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5. They encourage resident of SUHD area 7 to stop by after work for a glass of wine, talk with Fernando and find out more about the campaign. For more information or to RSVP, contact 831-402-4275 or info@ElectDrFernandoElizondo.com. or visit our website at ElectDrFernandoElizondo.com.

York pupils pile up national honors

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named 12 York School seniors as Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program. In announcing the honorees, York Head of School Chuck Harmon noted that these students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who took the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test:

York also announces that four seniors are among about 16,000 semifinalists in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program, and five seniors were among 5,300 Hispanic/Latino students nationally recognized by the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

They are: Izabel Diaz-Infante, Jacke Basse, Mayra Melendez and Sam Griffin-Ortiz, all of Salinas; and Nils Franco of Marina.

Teatro founder Valdez to speak Oct. 8

Luis Valdez, acclaimed playwright, movie director and founder of El Teatro Campesino will be the featured speaker at a celebration of Chicano/Latino Heritage Month at CSU Monterey Bay. The event is free and scheduled for 7 p.m., Oct. 8 in the World Theater.

Valdez is regarded as the father of Chicano theater in the U.S. His best-known works are "Zoot Suit," "La Bamba" and "Corridos," winner of the George Peabody Award. Valdez will talk about his experiences with the United Farm Workers in the 1960s, when Teatro Campesino toured migrant camps with one-act plays that informed and inspired farm workers. The event is free but a parking permit must be purchased from a dispenser on the parking lot or online at http://parking.csumb.edu/buy-permit.

SPCA announces new iPhone and Andriod app

The SPCA for Monterey County announces its new app for iPhone and Android. It features adoptable pets, the SPCA's Pet Alert Program, an easy to use animal cruelty report form, the ability to share pets with friends and family, and lots more. The app is free and available in the iTunes and Google Play stores by searching "SPCA Monterey." You can also find direct links to the apps at the following: facebook.com/SPCAmc.

Erik Estrada hosts Christian film

Erik Estrada, TV and film star, will speak at the First Baptist Church of Salinas, 6 p.m., Friday, October 18 and introduce his new film, "Finding Faith." This film tells true stories and experiences from law enforcement officers with the Internet Crimes Against Children task force. The film is a faith-based production and family friendly, though it may not be suitable for young children. Free tickets can be picked up at the Church, 1130 San Vincente Ave. or contact 831-422-9872, info@fbcsalinas.com.

Library Foundation presents "Words & Wine Dinner"

Dom Testa, an award-winning broadcaster, author, speaker and host of the top-rated Denver morning radio show, "The Dom and Jane Show." This program is a multiple-winner of Morning Show of the Year from the Colorado Broadcasters Association. Testa is the author of eight books, including The Comet's Curse, a Top Shelf pick by the American Library Association and an international Grand Prize winner from Writer's Digest Magazine. A popular feature on his radio show has led to two volumes of Mindbender books, which became #1 bestsellers.

Author reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7. Silent and Live Auction with a $2500 raffle prize. Tickets available for $125 per person. Proceeds support the 17 Monterey County Free Libraries literacy programs. Honored at this event will be the accounting firm of Brandon and Tibbs.

Sept. 27, 10:10 a.m., A resident of the 11000 block of Saddle Rd., Monterey reported a burglary to the residence occurring sometime between Sept. 8 and 23. Electronics of a to-be-determined value were taken.

Sept. 27, 3:56 p.m. A Toro Park resident stated that an unknown suspect took her wedding ring while she was gone.

Sept. 29, 5:51 a.m., Employees of a business in the 0-100 block of Harkins Road, Salinas reported unknown suspect(s) had broken into the shop sometime over night. A pick-up truck and a welder were taken.